The Southern Magnolia which was planted to commemorate

the sister city affilitation between Tokyo and New York City

This is the southern magnolia that originated in North America. The cities of New York and Tokyo entered into a sister city affilitation on February 29, 1960 when it was the 100th anniversary of the exchange of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between the United States and Japan instrument of ratification. This tree was donated to he Tokyo Metropolitan Government to return courtesy after the chairperson of the Japanese residents in New York donated 100 cherry trees to New York City when the Governor visited after the affilitation.

This tree was planted here in Hibiya Park by Governor Azuma and Richard C. Patterson, representing the New York City Mayor, on May 23 1960. Southern magnolias bloom big pure white flowers from June to July.